Saying Goodbye to the Bottle

Matthew Rodgers

Babies who are fed formula from bottles can be weaned in the same fashion. Toddlers who continue to suck on bottles of milk or juice all day are more prone to tooth decay and ear infections. And, as with nursing, a baby who's too full of liquids is unlikely to get the nutrition he needs from solids.

Eliminate one bottle-feeding every few weeks, replacing it with a snack or meal, including milk from a cup, when appropriate. Cut out the midday bottle first, and don't allow your child to traipse around the house with the same bottle for hours. This makes weaning more difficult and limits his ability to learn, explore, and speak. Hold your baby during feedings so he concentrates on drinking; after he's full he can then explore unencumbered. Next, eliminate the late-afternoon, morning, and finally the bedtime bottle. If your baby tries to resist, you can fill the bottle with water instead. Usually, children quickly lose their interest in bottles when they contain only water.

As your child eats more solid food and you gradually wean him from bottle or breast, you can begin adding whole milk to his diet after his first birthday. Once his daily formula intake drops below 32 ounces or you've eliminated two breastfeedings a day, start replacing these feedings with whole milk, about an ounce at a time. If no problems develop, you can gradually increase the amount; your pediatrician will be your best resource on these matters.